Which test identifies subacromial impingement by evaluating an abduction arc?

Which test identifies subacromial impingement by evaluating an abduction arc?

• A. Hawkins Kennedy test
• B. Painful arc test
• C. Neer's test
• D. Drop arm test

Answer: (B)

Subacromial impingement shows up when lifting the arm because the space under the acromion narrows and compresses the rotator cuff tendons and the subacromial bursa. The painful arc test focuses on that exact motion: the patient abducts the arm, and pain is produced specifically in the middle portion of the arc, typically around 60 to 120 degrees. This midrange pain reflects impingement from the acromial arch narrowing during elevation, making this test the best way to identify impingement tied to the abduction arc. Other tests involve different maneuvers to provoke impingement (like internal rotation with forward elevation or passive forward flexion with scapular stabilization) or to assess a rotator cuff tear (such as the drop arm test). They don’t isolate the abduction arc in the same direct way, which is why the painful arc test is the most specific for evaluating impingement through the abduction arc.

Subacromial impingement shows up when lifting the arm because the space under the acromion narrows and compresses the rotator cuff tendons and the subacromial bursa. The painful arc test focuses on that exact motion: the patient abducts the arm, and pain is produced specifically in the middle portion of the arc, typically around 60 to 120 degrees. This midrange pain reflects impingement from the acromial arch narrowing during elevation, making this test the best way to identify impingement tied to the abduction arc.

Other tests involve different maneuvers to provoke impingement (like internal rotation with forward elevation or passive forward flexion with scapular stabilization) or to assess a rotator cuff tear (such as the drop arm test). They don’t isolate the abduction arc in the same direct way, which is why the painful arc test is the most specific for evaluating impingement through the abduction arc.